Yogesh Ghatkar

Yogesh Venkat Ghatkar, born on October 12, 2003, in Dongarshelki, Latur, Maharashtra, embodies the spirit of resilience and self-motivation in the world of kabaddi. Hailing from a humble background, with his father Venkat Ghatkar tending to their farm and his mother Sunanda Ghatkar managing their household, Yogesh's journey in kabaddi is one marked by sheer passion and determination. Inspired by his elder brother, Govind Ghatkar, who excelled in kabaddi at the district level, Yogesh developed a keen interest in the sport from a young age. Despite the absence of professional coaching in his village, Yogesh's thirst for learning led him to scour YouTube for tutorials, diligently studying the techniques of seasoned players to refine his own skills. With unwavering dedication, Yogesh has mastered the art of the dubki, thigh hold, and bonus, establishing himself as a formidable all-rounder on the kabaddi mat. He also later trained with Sharad Mane and Bhagwan Jadhav. Training tirelessly at the Samarth Kridal Mandal in Dongarshelki, Latur, Yogesh continues to hone his craft, driven by his admiration for kabaddi stalwart Aslam Inamdar, whose raiding prowess and all-rounder skills serve as a constant source of inspiration. Yogesh's career highlights include a standout performance in a local tournament in Latur, where he showcased his skills against formidable opponents like Harangul in the semi-final match held in December 2023. Representing Dongarshelki with pride, Yogesh's stellar performance earned him recognition and acclaim, solidifying his position as a rising star in the kabaddi circuit. Beyond kabaddi, Yogesh finds solace in football, showcasing his versatility as a sportsman. Currently pursuing his second year in ITI, Yogesh harbors ambitions of playing at the highest levels of kabaddi, including representing a Pro Kabaddi League team. With his sights set on the future, Yogesh Venkat Ghatkar remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, poised to carve a path to success in the dynamic world of professional kabaddi.